The purpose of the award program is to honor and continue the legacy of Nils G. Axelson, a devoted community healthcare leader and visionary, and Jimmie R. Alford, a contemporary leading thinker and practitioner in the nonprofit arena, by recognizing and celebrating Chicago-area nonprofit organizations that exemplify extraordinary managerial excellence.

"We are seeking nominations of organizations that embody exemplary organizational management qualities such as those espoused by the award's namesakes," the request for nominations states. Hallmarks of exceptional organizations that qualify for consideration include:

• Clear, compelling and well-communicated mission and vision
• Coherent organizational strategy that aligns programs and services to mission and goals
• Strong and effective leadership by staff and board
• Solid financial management
• Diversified funding model
• Well-developed fundraising and external relations program
• Strong sense of integrity throughout organization's culture
• Shared sense of purpose and values within organization and among key external constituents
• Ample evidence that the organization is boldly and effectively fulfilling its mission

This year's award will be presented in two categories: Alford-Axelson Award recipient for the most managerially excellent nonprofit organization with an annual budget of $5 million or more, and the Alford-Axelson Award recipient for the most managerially excellent nonprofit organization with an annual budget under $5 million. The recipient organization for each award will receive an unrestricted grant and a commemorative award symbolizing the organization's dedication to modeling managerial excellence. In addition, two organizations will be recognized in each category as Honorable Mention recipients.

To nominate an organization for this award, call the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at 773-244-5747 and request an award nomination packet. The nomination material also is available online by visiting The Axelson Center home page at www.northpark.edu/axelson and selecting the "award" link at the left of the page.